California State University , Long Beach is nationally recognized as a leading public comprehensive university. Inside this section you'll find information regarding each department within the University's colleges as well as links to academic roadmaps and university programs such as athletics and student leadership.

Graduation rates for CSULB students have increased dramatically in recent years and the length of time it takes students to complete degrees has decreased. The availability of needed courses and support improved graduation rates. These improvements were key to the naming of CSULB as one of "America's Best Colleges and Universities" by U.S. News and World Report.

School of Art

Foundation Art

The classes listed below are the foundation art classes that are required of most studio art majors. When foundation studio classes are chosen, be aware of the prerequisites; do not take the studio classes out of order.

AH 111A,B. Foundation Art History I, II

ART 130. Foundation Two-Dimensional

131. Foundation Three-Dimensional

132. Foundation Color Theory

149. Foundation Computer Art

181. Foundation Drawing

184. Foundation Life Drawing

Art Courses (ART)

LOWER DIVISION

101. Artists in Their Own Words (3)

Forum for students to hear first hand from artists and arts scholars discussing and contextualizing their work within their contemporary field. Includes multiple lecturers by visitors and additional class lectures providing further context.
Credit/No Credit grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units in different semesters.

110. Introduction to the Visual Arts (3)

Prerequisite/Corequisite: One GE Foundation course.
Exploration of meanings, purposes, styles, materials and forms of art and architecture. Multicultural perspective. Development of awareness through examination and comparison of art and artifacts, past and present.

130. Foundation Two-Dimensional (3)

Foundation course required to be taken by all majors within the School of Art prior to 200-level or above art courses. Exploration and application of principles, components and terminology of two-dimensional design via relational, problem-solving and visual-vocabulary exercises.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab)

131. Foundation Three Dimensional (3)

Foundation course required to be taken by all studio and art education majors within the School of Art prior to 200-level or above art courses. Focus on structural, material, and compositional concerns involved in dealing with three-dimensional form.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab)

132. Foundation Color Theory (3)

Prerequisite/Corequisite: ART 130
Foundation course satisfying a choice between requirements in the BA Studio Art (Students choose from a group of courses). Also satisfies requirements or choices in some BFA degrees. Focus on visual and aesthetic interactions of color. (Not open to students with credit for ART 182.)
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab)

149. Foundation Computer Art (3)

Prerequisites: ART 130.
Foundation course satisfying a choice between requirements in the BA Studio Art (Students choose from a group of courses). Also satisfies requirements or choices in some BFA degrees. Project-based exploration of art-related digital imaging, layout, and vector software, and introduction to interactive and web-based media.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hrs. lab.) Not open for credit to students with credit in ART 349A.

181. Foundation Drawing (3)

Foundation course intended to be taken by all majors within the School of Art prior to 200-level or above art courses. Introduction to drawing with emphasis on perspective, light, shadow, and volume in composition using a variety of media.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hrs. lab.)

184. Foundation Life Drawing (3)

Prerequisites: ART 181.
Foundation course required in the BA Studio Art. Also satisfies requirements or choices in all other undergraduate degrees in the School of Art. Introduction to drawing from the human figure.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hrs. lab.)

221. Shop Orientation (1)

Familiarization with student workshop facilities, specific instruction on safety procedures and methods in use of tools and equipment. Safety lectures and technical demonstrations followed by hands-on experience. Projects familiarize students with machinery and facilitate the acquisition of basic woodworking skills.
Credit/No Credit grading only. (2 hours activity)

223. Introduction to Typography (3)

Prerequisite: For Art majors: ART 130, 181. For Design majors: DESN 120A and 132A.
Introductory course in the fundamentals of typographic form. Close examination of the architecture of letterforms and alphabet construction.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours lab) Student-owned laptop computer is required. See school website for current hardware and software specifications.

251A. Introduction to Ceramics: Handbuilding (3)

Prerequisites/Corequisites: ART 131.
Introductory course satisfying a choice between requirements in the BA Studio Art (Students choose from a group of courses). Also satisfies requirements or choices in BA Art Education and some BFA degrees. Includes slab, coil, and molding techniques; glazing, firing.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hrs. lab.)

251B. Introduction to Ceramics: Wheel Throwing (3)

Prerequisites/Corequisites: ART 131.
Introductory course satisfying a choice between requirements in the BA Studio Art (Students choose from a group of courses). Satisfies requirements or choices in BA Art Education and some BFA degrees. Development of forms with potters wheel, glazing and firing.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hrs. lab.)

261. Introduction to Life Sculpture (3)

Prerequisite/Corequisite: ART 131 or 181; AH 111A or 111B, or consent of instructor.
Introduction to modeling from the human figure with emphasis on a range of approaches and techniques to figurative sculpture.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hrs. lab.)

263. Introduction to Sculpture/4D (3)

Prerequisites: ART 131 or consent of instructor.
Introductory course satisfying a choice between requirements in the BA Studio Art (Students choose from a group of courses). Also satisfies requirements or choices in BA Art History and most BFA degrees. Exploration of art in three and four dimensions.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hrs lab)